As well, Santiago has a Bi-national Center, Centro Cultural Domínico-Americano (CCDA), was founded in 1962 by a group of Dominicans and Northamericans living in Santiago. At the beginning, its Director was sent by the North American Government and it started with English classes and then the library was opened as well as the service of lending over head projectors and documentary films. These last two were lent by the American Embassy.

CCDA is located on Estrella Sadhala Avenue. this facilities of the CCDA were opened in December 1976 which was the same year of the bicentenary of the United States. Throughout its 50 years of existence, teach English, painting class an manual activities.

Transportation

Santiago has Share taxis (called Carros Públicos or conchos) and private and independent bus owners who form their own routes according to their demands

The city has private bus transportation to other cities. Bus companies include Dioni, Metro, Caribe Tours, Transporte Espinal, Aetra Bus.

The Autopista Juan Pablo Duarte highway, officially known as DR-1, passes by the city center and connects the city directly to Santo Domingo. Other minor highways connect the city to Puerto Plata, Samana, and the northwestern region of the country.

The Cibao International Airport serves mostly Dominicans living in the United States and other Caribbean islands like Cuba, Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico and Panama.[24] The former airport of the city was the Santiago Municipal Airport, a regional airport that closed in March 2002. It served destinations such as San Juan, Port-au-Prince, Miami and Santo Domingo with regular services. Health

Facilities include Cabral y Baez, Clínica Corominas, and Union Médica, and Hospital Metropolitano De Santiago which offer their services in the city.

Recreation

Some of the recreational places found in Santiago are:

Centro Español: located in the Panamericana Avenue, this place is heavily frequented during the summer by Santiago's local population and tourists. Many activities take place in it, such as sports; swimming, basketball, baseball, softball, football, golf, table games, and children summer camps. They also host parties with famous Dominican and international artists. Its access is restricted to registered members only. Gurabito Country Club: Another popular club located in Panamericana Avenue, it is another recreational center. They have sports activities, such as baseball and basketball. Parties with Dominican artist take place periodically in this club as well as some pool parties with Dominicans singers. Access is restricted to members only. Kaskada Agua Park: Located in Panamericana Avenue too, is a water theme park. This locale is open to the general public.

WHEN TO GO

Between December and May, temperatures in Puerto Plata tend to hover between 28C and 31C. June to November is hurricane season, so the Dominican Republic is often hit by tropical storms – but the hotels are dab hands at dealing with them. June has the highest rainfall, clocking up 12 wet days.